Abu Dhabi - Etihad Airways, announced the appointment of Jordi Porcel Cortes as its general manager for Spain. Cortes will be based in Etihad Airways’ new Madrid office, to head the airline’s Spanish commercial operations.

The appointment comes as Etihad Airways plans to launch direct flights between Madrid and Abu Dhabi on 30 March 2015.
 
Cortes worked during the past three years for Vueling Airlines, as chief sales officer. Prior to Vueling Airlines, he held various positions at British Airways, as regional commercial manager Spain, Portugal and Latin America.
 
Jordi holds a degree in marketing from the ESEM School, a MBA from the Instituto de Empresa, degrees from WTTA University in Johannesburg and IBM Business School in London. 
 
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “We welcome Jordi to our global commercial team. His experience in the aviation industry and knowledge of the region will be invaluable to the success of Etihad Airways’ new Spanish operations.
 
“The new service will help boost inbound tourism for Spain and strengthen the already strong trade ties with the UAE. Travellers will have great opportunities to connect over Abu Dhabi to the entire Gulf region, Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia."